Canard-Duchêne

The Story of Victor and Leonie Canard Duchêne

Victor was a cooper, Léonie was the daughter of a vigneron. They were born and lived in Ludes, in the heart of the terroir champenois and dreamed of paying homage to their land, located in the heart of the Montagne de Reims. They married and, in 1868, founded the Champagne House that bears their name: Canard Duchêne.

The success is dazzling and quickly exceeds the borders of France. In 1890, the Champagne Canard Duchêne is recognized by Tsar Nicholas II who imposes it on the imperial court of Russia. The house has been displaying it since the armories. During the two world wars, the region was severely tested and the castle of Ludes was destroyed. However, the caves cut into the chalk remained, they could be fully rehabilitated and they still house the production of the house Canard Duchêne.

The descendants of Victor and Léonie Canard Duchêne invite you to visit the caves of the castle which were hand-cut in the 19th century. Imagine for a moment the colossal work to dig 6 kilometers of tunnels, spread over four levels, located between 12 and 38 meters deep!

To celebrate the hundred years of the house in 1968, a uniquely shaped bottle marks the birth of its prestige cuvée: the Charles VII cuvée. Born from a meticulous blend, it pays tribute to the Champagne land and confirms the excellence of the house Canard Duchêne.

Pinot Noir, the flagship grape variety of the Canard Duchêne house

The Canard Duchêne style is intimately linked to the pinot noir whose imprint dominates. The village of Ludes is located in the heart of the Montagne de Reims. It dominates the Champagne plain from its plateau which offers a magnificent view shared between the vines on the gently sloping hillsides and the forests of rare species.

This is where the emblematic pinot noir grape variety grows. It thrives on this Montagne de Reims, whose soil made up of chalk, sand, clay and limestone suits it to perfection. It ripens while enjoying the Champagne sun, which encourages it to develop its delicate and fine skin with an intense purple color. The grapes provide a juice that, while colorless, is full of delicious aromas. Pinot noir gives Canard Duchêne champagne all its power and elegance. It provides its remarkable structure and enriches it profusely with its fruit notes, most often red: currant, blackberry, strawberry, cherry, raspberry, Morello cherry...

The Canard Duchêne house tradition of sabrage

The House's signature was once the art of sabrage. This tradition is the legacy of Napoleon's soldiers. They used to open their champagne bottles by sliding the flat of their saber along the neck of the bottle. Sabering is a symbol of victory and the joy of sharing happy times. This is why it is embodied on the Canard Duchêne coat of arms, displaying the iconic saber alongside the crowned double-headed eagle of the Imperial House of Russia.

Concerned with perpetuating this tradition, the Maison Canard-Duchêne invites you to come and learn about the art of sabering in the heart of its century-old park. You will take the opportunity to visit its cellars and admire the unique view of the Montagne de Reims.

The champagnes of the Canard Duchêne house

Canard Duchêne Brut

Canard Duchêne Champagne Brut is the result of a blend of 60 different crus. It is a wonderful representation of the innumerable qualities of pinots. Its nose is intense, exuding intense aromas of fresh fruit that you will remember for a long time. Its color is a straw yellow and the Brut produces a fine, delicate mousse. Its palate delights with fruit notes, mixed with brioche flavors.

The Brut is perfect as an aperitif, but it will also accompany your entire meal with delight. It loves terrines, spring dishes that feature early vegetables, and scallops a la plancha. The Brut is composed of a blend where pinot noir and pinot meunier dominate with 40% each, with chardonnay completing the remaining 20%.

Canard Duchêne Brut Rosé

The Canard Duchêne in its rosé version is the ally of your dinners, on the terrace, at the table or around a buffet. It is suitable for summer evenings for which it is a wonderful accompaniment to thinly sliced Serrano ham or white meat seared on a plancha. Of course, it also finds its place for the aperitif. Its nose is very fruity, with intense aromas of fresh fruit, which give pride of place to strawberry and raspberry.

The red fruits come through on its palate, lifted by fine spicy aromas. For the Canard Duchêne Brut Rosé blend, pinot meunier takes precedence over pinot noir, with proportions of 40% and 30% respectively. This leaves 30% for Chardonnay.

Canard Duchêne Reserve

The Canard Duchêne Réserve cuvée is prized for its generous aromatic balance. Its nose is subtle and reveals aromas of candied fruits. Its straw yellow color is soft and the wine produces a fine, lively mousse. As for its palate, the intensity of its freshness is a delight. The Duck Duchêne Reserve is best served as an aperitif, accompanied by a plate of small savory pieces.

You can also serve it alongside a grilled quinoa salad with burrata and sun-dried tomatoes. Half of the blend is reserved for pinot noir. This is followed by pinot meunier for 30% and chardonnay for 20%.